Its_Me_Chris
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History or Bureaucracy
My topic is to address the matters of History being lost everyday to developers.
And the local governments lining their pockets with the proceeds. Before I get
into that however, I would like to point out that Archeologists often misdirect
the significance of some “artifacts.†In other words they take themselves a little
too seriously. For instance in Jamestown settlement. With the recent findings of
human skull fragments, scientists discovered signs of early brain surgery
techniques. That’s very significant isn’t it? In the article I read regarding this
matter, it went on and on about how prolific and scientifically important this
was. I think what that person meant was it was evidence to feed some fat
bureaucrats the notion that all that government money was not going to waste.
Please don’t misunderstand what I am saying. I hope one day when they have
discovered all that remains at that location they will do something in the order
of Williamsburg with it. Some of these findings however are just nonsense.
Let’s pretend for a minute that our colonization of America had no previous
history other then native roots in North America . Perhaps some man back in
1607 had some head trauma and the cutting and relieving of blood buildup was
eminent. Well pardon me but, “Whooptie flippin doo!†A quick trip back into
reality would suggest that in 1605 a very similar surgery had been performed in
England. And in 1597 in Austria, and 5,500 years ago in Egypt. Someone please
help me see the logic in this. Ok it is perhaps the first Cranial surgery in the
colony, or was it? What say you Dutch, French or Spanish. And that brings me
now to my main topic. Archeologists and the government for that matter are
very sloppy. Most historical acts of protection and preservation are begun with
concern from people of that locale. And more often then not, these ordinary
citizens must fight beg and plead with state historic authorities to enact these
registries. Oh archeologists seem real concerned there don’t they? What went
wrong with Lewes, Delaware. Surveyors informed the Army Core that they
may be dredging over shipwreck sites. The Army Core alerted the DE
authorities of their Contractors findings. DE gave them the go regardless of
potential historic significance. Where were the archeologists then? Now the
beach is littered by the remains of possible three shipwrecks. And archeologists
are questioning themselves of the possibility that some of dredge spoils may
have been from a previous settlement now lying less then a hundred feet from
shore. And all they did was have the beach closed for 3 days. It reopened shortly
after because it is a public beach and in an outrage over their mistake, the DE
historic society had the audacity to call a few beachcombers pirates and looters.
I guess I would be upset too if those mass produced case gin bottles were sitting
in an antique store now instead of boxed up in the back of some store house.
“Well exhibit 3801-A2:567923 Dutch case gin bottle; note: Historic gin bottle
consumed by first settler in Delaware.†Oh well in that case, Grant is approved.
Which brings me to my home state of NJ. Congress Hall, Moffit House, and
Sawyer House, Cape May, NJ. Congress Hall is so noted for the congressional
sessions held there by former politicians including some such as President
Lincoln. A few years ago this grand historic landmark transferred owners.
The new owner completely remodeled the structure to bring it up to date for
commercial use. It was all done discreetly and tastefully as not to destroy any
of the original architecture. Nearing completion the grounds surrounding the
property were also revamped with a paved parking system that would
accommodate more cars. As for the rest of the grounds, all replaced with new
sod. My Cousin contracted most of the irrigation work. He asked the owner if
he would be allowed to use his metal detector, the owner denied his request
with the excuse that “If I let you, I would have to let everyone.†They
removed 12+ inches of earth from two thirds of the property. In researching
I later learned that at a time prior to the civil war, there sat a gambling casino
on an unoccupied corner of the lot. All those “artifacts†are now gone, probably
dumped on the driveways of some golf community. Some 180k a year doctor
is going to drop his keys on the way to work, lean down to retrieve them and
in doing so discover an 1849 gold $2 ½ dollar coin. And what’s more is, He’ll
never even check the rest of the driveway. Where were the Archeologists
then? The Moffit House, Built c.177? Served as an Inn until it’s recent
demolition. It will be replaced by a muti-family townhouse. Where were
the Archeologists? And finally there was the Sawyer House. This property
sported a landmark sign in the front near the road. I don’t know much of it’s
history. “Did some one take the sign?†No, the City, that’s right the “City†of
Cape May had it along with the house removed. Where are the archeologists?
It seems to me that Historic commissions do a lot of good don’t they? Before the
time of metal detectors and GPR, many artifacts were within private holdings.
Most of these collections were set on display in Museums around the time
insurance and security improved in these facilities. Archeologists are looters
themselves. If we treasure hunters were paid for our time in researching
exploring and digging, we too would be more inclined to use a paint brush and
record ground mineralization. I keep a journal of my findings. Some even
document the wether. I f a place is of Historical Importance then it will be
protected from armature treasure hunters. And free to be painstakingly paint-
brushed and documented by scientists. If a place is not protected and bares some
trifle monetary significance then please, Let us hardworking Americans have
some leisurely enjoyment. 99.9% of what Amateur treasure hunters find, was
mass produced to some degree. Lets put the guy with the tomato spade in jail
cause he found an 1866 Indian penny were some Fed’s had lunch, and let’s give
the guy with the bulldozer a tax break next year because he used common sense
and dug fifty c.1600's privies last year and donated nothing to a museum. So is
it really about history or is it greed? It’s apparent that archeologists are working
for museums on dig’s according to their monetary value. Why else would they
go from a 1607 dig in Jamestown, to an 1860's civil war plantation? I think it’s
safe to say because those CSA belt plates are worth an arm and a leg. And Uncle
Sam will be damned if he’ll let any of his citizens carry one home without first
paying taxes. Why do museums pay so much for artifacts if it’s just about the
History. You answered my question. What would an English Onion bottle, with
a certificate of Jamestown authenticity go for on Ebay? Enough to pay for
another year’s digs on the Island I’d imagine. And if there are 12 museums with
Jamestown displays and only 8 Onion bottles, I bet you know how do they
decide who gets what? There are some things I don’t want to own, things I’d
much rather see in a museum. There are places I wouldn’t dig without being
alongside some professionals. Though I have never destroyed the scientific
integrity of a property by digging out the crapper. I have recovered pipes,
porcelains, bottles, marbles, t.brushes and coins none of which are broken. The
act of my digging is history and one day I’m sure it will be analyzed by
professionals. Humanity will never run out of antiquities to be examined, dug,
appraised, displayed, lost, broken and stolen. When there are no more affordable
silver coins to collect in the future because the Government melted most of
them, will Archeologists come to our aid? They would likely see the demise of
the hobby. By then metal detecting will not be allowed even in your own back
yard. Can you imagine, I can. You don’t own your yard you know, you’re a
“home†owner, not a land owner. That’s why we say “landlord.†We just make
use of the property and pay the Government a tax for allowing us the land to live
on. Ever hear of Eminent Domain? Better but down that metal detector and pick
up that rake cause we have some corn to plant. If your not using that land for the
greater good of the people then the government can take it. That’s just my
opinion, I’m just a bottle digger. Sincerely, Chris in S. Jersey.?
My topic is to address the matters of History being lost everyday to developers.
And the local governments lining their pockets with the proceeds. Before I get
into that however, I would like to point out that Archeologists often misdirect
the significance of some “artifacts.†In other words they take themselves a little
too seriously. For instance in Jamestown settlement. With the recent findings of
human skull fragments, scientists discovered signs of early brain surgery
techniques. That’s very significant isn’t it? In the article I read regarding this
matter, it went on and on about how prolific and scientifically important this
was. I think what that person meant was it was evidence to feed some fat
bureaucrats the notion that all that government money was not going to waste.
Please don’t misunderstand what I am saying. I hope one day when they have
discovered all that remains at that location they will do something in the order
of Williamsburg with it. Some of these findings however are just nonsense.
Let’s pretend for a minute that our colonization of America had no previous
history other then native roots in North America . Perhaps some man back in
1607 had some head trauma and the cutting and relieving of blood buildup was
eminent. Well pardon me but, “Whooptie flippin doo!†A quick trip back into
reality would suggest that in 1605 a very similar surgery had been performed in
England. And in 1597 in Austria, and 5,500 years ago in Egypt. Someone please
help me see the logic in this. Ok it is perhaps the first Cranial surgery in the
colony, or was it? What say you Dutch, French or Spanish. And that brings me
now to my main topic. Archeologists and the government for that matter are
very sloppy. Most historical acts of protection and preservation are begun with
concern from people of that locale. And more often then not, these ordinary
citizens must fight beg and plead with state historic authorities to enact these
registries. Oh archeologists seem real concerned there don’t they? What went
wrong with Lewes, Delaware. Surveyors informed the Army Core that they
may be dredging over shipwreck sites. The Army Core alerted the DE
authorities of their Contractors findings. DE gave them the go regardless of
potential historic significance. Where were the archeologists then? Now the
beach is littered by the remains of possible three shipwrecks. And archeologists
are questioning themselves of the possibility that some of dredge spoils may
have been from a previous settlement now lying less then a hundred feet from
shore. And all they did was have the beach closed for 3 days. It reopened shortly
after because it is a public beach and in an outrage over their mistake, the DE
historic society had the audacity to call a few beachcombers pirates and looters.
I guess I would be upset too if those mass produced case gin bottles were sitting
in an antique store now instead of boxed up in the back of some store house.
“Well exhibit 3801-A2:567923 Dutch case gin bottle; note: Historic gin bottle
consumed by first settler in Delaware.†Oh well in that case, Grant is approved.
Which brings me to my home state of NJ. Congress Hall, Moffit House, and
Sawyer House, Cape May, NJ. Congress Hall is so noted for the congressional
sessions held there by former politicians including some such as President
Lincoln. A few years ago this grand historic landmark transferred owners.
The new owner completely remodeled the structure to bring it up to date for
commercial use. It was all done discreetly and tastefully as not to destroy any
of the original architecture. Nearing completion the grounds surrounding the
property were also revamped with a paved parking system that would
accommodate more cars. As for the rest of the grounds, all replaced with new
sod. My Cousin contracted most of the irrigation work. He asked the owner if
he would be allowed to use his metal detector, the owner denied his request
with the excuse that “If I let you, I would have to let everyone.†They
removed 12+ inches of earth from two thirds of the property. In researching
I later learned that at a time prior to the civil war, there sat a gambling casino
on an unoccupied corner of the lot. All those “artifacts†are now gone, probably
dumped on the driveways of some golf community. Some 180k a year doctor
is going to drop his keys on the way to work, lean down to retrieve them and
in doing so discover an 1849 gold $2 ½ dollar coin. And what’s more is, He’ll
never even check the rest of the driveway. Where were the Archeologists
then? The Moffit House, Built c.177? Served as an Inn until it’s recent
demolition. It will be replaced by a muti-family townhouse. Where were
the Archeologists? And finally there was the Sawyer House. This property
sported a landmark sign in the front near the road. I don’t know much of it’s
history. “Did some one take the sign?†No, the City, that’s right the “City†of
Cape May had it along with the house removed. Where are the archeologists?
It seems to me that Historic commissions do a lot of good don’t they? Before the
time of metal detectors and GPR, many artifacts were within private holdings.
Most of these collections were set on display in Museums around the time
insurance and security improved in these facilities. Archeologists are looters
themselves. If we treasure hunters were paid for our time in researching
exploring and digging, we too would be more inclined to use a paint brush and
record ground mineralization. I keep a journal of my findings. Some even
document the wether. I f a place is of Historical Importance then it will be
protected from armature treasure hunters. And free to be painstakingly paint-
brushed and documented by scientists. If a place is not protected and bares some
trifle monetary significance then please, Let us hardworking Americans have
some leisurely enjoyment. 99.9% of what Amateur treasure hunters find, was
mass produced to some degree. Lets put the guy with the tomato spade in jail
cause he found an 1866 Indian penny were some Fed’s had lunch, and let’s give
the guy with the bulldozer a tax break next year because he used common sense
and dug fifty c.1600's privies last year and donated nothing to a museum. So is
it really about history or is it greed? It’s apparent that archeologists are working
for museums on dig’s according to their monetary value. Why else would they
go from a 1607 dig in Jamestown, to an 1860's civil war plantation? I think it’s
safe to say because those CSA belt plates are worth an arm and a leg. And Uncle
Sam will be damned if he’ll let any of his citizens carry one home without first
paying taxes. Why do museums pay so much for artifacts if it’s just about the
History. You answered my question. What would an English Onion bottle, with
a certificate of Jamestown authenticity go for on Ebay? Enough to pay for
another year’s digs on the Island I’d imagine. And if there are 12 museums with
Jamestown displays and only 8 Onion bottles, I bet you know how do they
decide who gets what? There are some things I don’t want to own, things I’d
much rather see in a museum. There are places I wouldn’t dig without being
alongside some professionals. Though I have never destroyed the scientific
integrity of a property by digging out the crapper. I have recovered pipes,
porcelains, bottles, marbles, t.brushes and coins none of which are broken. The
act of my digging is history and one day I’m sure it will be analyzed by
professionals. Humanity will never run out of antiquities to be examined, dug,
appraised, displayed, lost, broken and stolen. When there are no more affordable
silver coins to collect in the future because the Government melted most of
them, will Archeologists come to our aid? They would likely see the demise of
the hobby. By then metal detecting will not be allowed even in your own back
yard. Can you imagine, I can. You don’t own your yard you know, you’re a
“home†owner, not a land owner. That’s why we say “landlord.†We just make
use of the property and pay the Government a tax for allowing us the land to live
on. Ever hear of Eminent Domain? Better but down that metal detector and pick
up that rake cause we have some corn to plant. If your not using that land for the
greater good of the people then the government can take it. That’s just my
opinion, I’m just a bottle digger. Sincerely, Chris in S. Jersey.?
] Ya they can tear up a whole city block with earth-moving machines but I take my little shovel and try to discover an old antique bottle worth 50 cents and look out. I will not get into my views on government, this is a family viewed forum.[
